In French, even a simple word sounds so classy and chic that many non French speakers fall in love with the language. It also has some beautiful ways of getting a message across. For example, in French we do not say “I miss you” instead we say “Tu me manques” which means “you are missing from me”.

The hardest sound in French

The hardest sound for most people when learning French is the ‘r’ sound. It’s a great achievement if you can master that rolling ‘r’. Although I hold a Master’s degree in the language and have had many years to improve my spoken French, I feel I still haven’t reached the perfection of pronouncing the ‘r’ (“Err” in French).

Here’s how to pronounce that tricky French “rrr” by online French teacher Alexa

French spoken around the world

French is widely spoken and is ranked the sixth most universally spoken languages in the world. Currently there are over 220 million French speakers worldwide. It’s estimated that the number of French speakers will increase to over 700 million by 2050 with a greater percentage belonging to Africa.

At present French is the official language of 29 countries which form “le monde Francophone”- the French speaking world. It’s said to be the second most commonly learned foreign language in the world after English, and the percentage of students choosing to learn French is much higher in comparison to other foreign languages. French is also taught in institutes like “Alliance francaise” and “Instituts Francais”. They have offices around the world and offer courses for everyone – whatever your age.

As Federico Fellini said: “A different language is a different vision of life.” French for me and I’m sure for many, is certainly a beautiful vision of life.

Simran Batra is the author of “Apprenons le Francais” and “Ailes” French workbook series

The post How to pronounce r in French it’s easy when you know how! appeared first on The Good Life France.

Wine, cheese and bread are the 3 symbols of French food. But the French don’t drink wine, buy bread and eat cheese like in the movies set in Paris.

So, if you want to learn how to drink wine like the French do and look like a local and not a tourist when you’re in France, check out this 5 minute French video lesson.

Demystify French wine with 5 tips about wine in France. From where to buy it to how the French actually drink it, in real life!

Cheers! Or rather Santé

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French facial expressions – or how to speak French without saying a word!

5 Minute French Lesson

Anyone who has ever had a conversation with a French person will know that facial expressions are important. The famous shrugging of the shoulders and the pfft sound are so typically French.

French people are famous for never admitting when they are wrong, but they may pull a face which admits to it! Here is how to perfect that look, as well as the “I am bored” and “You are crazy” face and lots more!

In just 4 minutes and 22 seconds, here are the top ten facial expressions in French – it’s very funny and very true and, even if you don’t speak French you’ll be able to communicate using the same expressions. 

One of the most recognisable signs is the  “I don’t believe you” expression which involves blowing raspberries – a gesture that you see (and hear) everywhere in France.

And… who can not know about the Gallic shrug!

Research in Paris showed that almost 55% of communication in Paris is apparently non-verbal.

Oh, and the gesture for “I think you’re crazy” – don’t try that in Germany, it’s considered an awful insult!

See more 5 Minutes lessons in The Good Life France Magazine!

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William Alexandra  is a man with a mission – he wants to learn French, to understand what is is to be French, in fact to be French. American born Mr Alexander doesn’t just want to speak it like a student after a couple of years study; he wants to parler proper French, like a native. The result is a brilliantly funny and eloquent book: Flirting with French…

William says “Some Americans want to visit France. Some want to live in France. I want to be French…”  but it is well-known fact that older learners struggle to learn a new language so 50 something William decides to look into how best to learn and what he can do to help himself. Not content to be told the facts, he delves into the science of linguistics. If you think that sounds a bit dry and dull – you couldn’t be more wrong. This is a brilliant book that anyone who has ever tried to speak French or learn any new language will identify with. It is funny and quirky, William’s observations made me laugh out loud several times on a train to Paris from La Rochelle startling my fellow passengers.

Right at the start William reveals he has a “un petit problem” which he gleefully point out means BIG problem. In French – and there’s the rub, or the issue… the language is peppered with colloquialisms and phrases that just don’t translate into English – literally. Consider: if I tell you Mr Alexandra has a dicky ticker, you may know that in English that means he has a heart problem. Try translating that into French and I shudder to think what the literal translation sounds like to a Frenchman! Colloquial expressions that are in everyday use “screw with your mind” says William and then he proves it in a hilarious way that changes how you’ll think about learning French.

I loved how William articulates his confusion and bewilderment at some French language idiosyncrasies. He gives an example of a phrase a Frenchman might use to describe something he likes, “the tops or the best”. “C’est Le petit Jesus en Colette de velours” or “it’s the baby Jesus in velvet shorts” says your French friend. WHAT? I actually didn’t believe it but so amazed was I that I asked a Frenchman if this was a real expression. “Yes of course, why not?” was the answer. Well what do you say to that because when you think about it, we in the UK might say that something is “the bees knees”, now how does that translate into “its the best” for a Frenchman or anyone who doesn’t know UK colloquialisms. It’s this understanding of the every day expressions that really throws a spanner in the works for everyone and anyone who tries to learn French or a new language. 

William writes as if he’s having a conversation with the reader and even when he’s talking technical, like how verbs work, grammar and the history of French language – he makes it huge fun and absolutely fascinating.

He doesn’t do anything by halves, having his brain scanned before he embarks on his determined course to learn French and then again after he’s finished, many months later, to see if there is a tangible effect. He gets a penpal, tries learning with a CD, online, watches TV with French subtitles, immerses himself on a residential course in France. When a heart problem causes havoc with his plans, he almost gives up – but he is nothing if not determined and with the support of his wife – he soldiers on. He meets with Google language experts, scientists and teachers in his quest. He studies, considers, examines and attempts every way he can think of to learn French and to be French.

His conclusion is that it IS harder for older learners to grasp a new language but it can be done… and that brain scan – did it yield any results? Oh yes and it might surprise you!

This is an entertaining, thoughtful and witty book for anyone and everyone who wants to learn French or had every tried to learn French or any other languge and wonders why it is so hard

But, “courage” as the French say,  take heart, keep a sense of humour and go for it anyway because as William discovers, the results may surprise you too.

Interview with William Alexander – and yes he is just as funny to talk to in real life!

Courtesy of William Alexander, the full tutorial on the question of is it tu or vous in French?

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Read our top ten fascinating facts about the French language! You may be surprised at how au fait you are with French or aghast at the most difficult words and phrases for non-French speakers…

1. At the time of the French Revolution in 1793, 75% of French citizens did not speak French as a mother tongue. Each region had its own dialect and patois.

2. Until the 19th century, French was spoken more widely in Holland and Germany than in some parts of France.

3. You are probably far more au fait with the French language than you think! It is estimated that around 50% of English words come from French. For three hundred years after William the Conqueror landed on the beach of southern England and took over the throne, French was the official language of England. Even today English language is peppered with French words – reading this you may feel déjà vu or a little je ne sais qois – but c’est la vie!

4. French is the official language of the United Nations.

5. French is the mother tongue of almost 2 million Americans and up to 11 million Americans speak French fluently as a second language. In the US, half of all foreign films watched, and 30% of foreign books read are in French.

6. Impress your French friends with a few famous sayings! “Rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir à point” (Running is worthless. You have to leave on time). The sayings of fable writer, Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) are common in France.

7. In French the word “you” can be formal or friendly. Generally one should use the “vous” term but if you know someone well you can use “tu”.

8. Difficult French words! Try saying “anticonstitutionnellement” – you’ll be in a minority though, hardly anyone ever says this word which means ‘in a very unconstitutional way’. Practice with tongue twisters like “Un chasseur sachant chasser sait chasser sans son chien de chasse”! (A hunter who knows how to hunt knows how to hunt without his hunting dog) or “Si six scies scient six cyprès, six cents scies scient six cent cypress” (If six saws saw six cypresses, six hundred saws saw six hundred cypresses).

9. The word “salut” means both “hello” and “goodbye”.

10. Celebrities who speak French include Serena Williams who is happy to answer questions in fluent French when playing tennis at famous Paris stadium Roland Garros. Johnny Depp, John Malkovich,  Elton John, Ewan Mcgregor, Halle Berry, Madonna, Mick Jagger, and John Travolta all speak French.

More on learning French:

5 Unconventional Ways to practice French
French language Faux Pas
Top 5 Phrases NOT to say in France
Tips to learn French quickly

The post Fascinating French language facts appeared first on The Good Life France.

Our Nice reporter Margo Lestz visits her local café La Petite Syrah in Nice and looks at how minding your manners can significantly reduce the price of your coffee! Learning a few key phrases in French will make you friends and may save you money, find out how to parlez vous politely in just a few minutes…

The board at La Petite Syrah café indicates the price of a cup of coffee for customers:

“A cup of coffee” – € 7.00… “A cup of coffee, please“ – € 4.25… “Hello, a cup of coffee, please“ – € 1.40

Of course, this was meant as a humorous way to remind customers to be polite, but it’s a great illustration of the French attitude toward good manners.

In France the “courtesy words and phrases” are very important and NOT optional.  Fortunately, they’re easy to master, but if you can’t manage them in French, at least say them in English.  More than likely, the French will understand you and think that you’re a polite person who doesn’t speak French – which is, of course, much better than being thought of as a rude person who doesn’t speak French. So if you want to be polite in France (and I’m sure you do), here are some easy words and phrases (along with my attempt at phonetic pronunciation) to help you on your way:

Hello & Goodbye in French

Bonjour = hello. As you can see from the coffee example above, greeting someone before placing an order or asking a question has much more importance in France than it does in the US or UK.  In France, you should never approach a sales person and immediately ask a question. Always start with a polite greeting: Bonjour or, even better, Bonjour Madame or Bonjour Monsieur. Then you can ask your question.

I have to confess to having committed this error myself once (or twice). I was in a hurry and just went up to a clerk and blurted out my request. She looked at me and slowly said “Bonjour Madame” in a tone that said, “Did we leave our manners at home this morning?” (Ouch).  Then, of course, I had to say “Bonjour Madame” and start over with my question. So it just saves time (and embarrassment) to remember to greet people first.  Bonjour should also be said when you enter a shop. You don’t need to direct it to anyone in particular, just a general bonjour will do. When I go into a shop, I say “bonjour”, even if I don’t see anyone, because I am sure there is someone somewhere watching to see how polite I am.

Bonsoir  = good evening. At a certain point during the afternoon, Bonjour will become Bonsoir.  There is no precise hour when this occurs and it’s not a big deal if you say bonjour instead of bonsoir. If someone greets you with bonsoir – reply with bonsoir.

Au revoir = goodbye. Just like it’s polite to say bonjour when arriving, you should say au revoir when leaving. When exiting a shop, say “Merci, au revoir”.

Please & Thank You in French

These are magic words in both cultures.

S’il vous plaît = please. This is very important; just add it to the end of every request.

Merci = thank you.  It’s good manners everywhere to thank people when they do something for you.

Je vous en prie = you’re welcome.  This is the standard response when someone thanks you. That might be a bit of a mouthful if you don’t speak French, but depending on the situation you might also use:

Merci à vous = thank YOU (returning the thanks to the other person).

Avec plaisir = It was my pleasure.

But often, just a smile and nod will be sufficient.

By using just these few words and phrases, you will have the French marvelling at what a well mannered person you are.  But if you really want to make a good impression, here are a few other things to be aware of:

Do you speak English? Don’t assume that everyone speaks English.What would you think if you were in your home town and a French tourist approached and just started asking you questions in French? You might think they were a bit rude, no? So start with a bonjour – even if it’s badly pronounced. Then ask, “Do you speak English?” If they don’t understand, then you have your answer. But they will probably say, “a little bit” and then try to help you in English.

Wait to be seated in restaurants.

Ask for the bill.  Normally the waiter will not bring the bill until you ask for it because it would not be polite to hurry the customers.  So when you are ready, ask for “l’addition, s’il vous plaît” (la dee shon, seel voo play).

Tone it down – In general, the French are a quieter bunch than some other cultures. Talk and laugh at a moderate volume.

Don’t take up more space than you need.  If you are two people, don’t take a table for four – even if there are lots of empty tables.  Don’t take up the entire sidewalk.

Put money on the counter instead of handing it to the person you are paying. Of course, there are exceptions. If the person holds out their hand, by all means give them the money, but generally it’s more polite to place it on the counter.

Keep your cool – Hopefully you won’t have any major problems, but sometimes things can go wrong. Normally (if you have been polite) you will find the French to be very helpful. But be warned, you will get nowhere by demanding your rights, yelling, or asking to see a manager. (The “customer is always right” philosophy has not caught on in France and managers stick up for their employees). If you want to be helped, you must, above all, remain calm and polite.

So there you have it, the secrets of French politeness – and how not to overpay for a cup of coffee.

Margo Lestz lives in Nice, France where she likes to bask in the sunshine, study the French language and blog as thecuriousrambler. Margo says “Life is never boring and I learn something new every day… and there are always surprises”.

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Top tips for “French phrases for Christmas”…

These are typical French phrases you’ll hear at Christmas time in France, but if you want to use them during your next visit in Paris (not at Christmas), feel free to use the idioms and adapt them to your needs. Parisians will be impressed by your local knowledge!

Wish a “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Holidays” and “Happy New Year” in French

Joyeux Noël!
Merry Christmas

“The holidays” include both Noël and Le Nouvel An, and can be packed in “Les Fêtes de fin d’année”. This can be shortened to “les fêtes” like this:

Tu fais quoi pour les fêtes?
What are you doing for the holidays?

Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année.
This means “Happy holidays!”

TIP: “Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année” is perfect for a formal email, especially the last one before Christmas.

If you write Christmas cards (Les cartes de voeux), here are 2 ready-to-use messages:

Nous vous souhaitons de joyeuses fêtes de Noël et une excellente année 2014.
Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année de la part de la famille Smith.

Don’t forget to wish a “Bonne année” (Happy New Year) to each person you meet at the beginning of January!

Prepare for a 4-hour long Christmas dinner

French Christmas dinners last forever: their preparation and enjoyment takes hours; and you’ll probably have two: one on the 24th for dinner and another on the 25th at lunchtime. So here comes the dreaded question from your in-laws:

Vous venez pour le 24 ou le 25?
Will you come on the 24th or 25th?

Next will be the classic question about which traditional “entrées” (starters) to have at French Christmas dinner this year:

Je fais huîtres, saumon, fois gras ou les trois?
Should I make oysters, salmon, foie gras or all 3?

Sometimes, it’s all of them! (Told you the dinners lasted hours!)

It’s also very common to eat turkey. My personal favourite is “dinde aux marrons” – turkey and chestnuts. Remember to order it at the butcher’s, and then ask your sweetie to pick it up for you!

Tu peux passer chercher la dinde chez le boucher?
Can you go and pick up the turkey at the butcher’s?

The end of the meal comes with the traditional “bûche de Noël”.  It’s a French cake made of ice cream or butter cream that looks like a log. It is decorated with plastic or chocolate trees, mushrooms, lumberjacks and axes.

Have you ordered the bûche?

If you haven’t eaten enough, there are always chocolates and sweets to fill up your stomach: the “papillotes”. The papillotes are either chocolates or “pâtes de fruit”. They contain a paper with a joke on it (in French, obviously: good luck with the translation!) and sometimes a banger called a “pétard”.

Oh mince! J’ai oublié les papillotes!
Damn! I forgot the “papillotes “!

Buying gifts at Christmas in France

The December-long preparation of Christmas includes finding the best presents to put under “le sapin de Noël” (the Christmas tree) for your loved ones. So starting December 1st, you’ll hear phrases such as:

Tu es au point sur tes cadeaux?
Are you OK on your Christmas gifts?

Tu veux quoi pour Noël?
What do you want for Christmas?

Je cherche encore un cadeau de Noël pour ma soeur. Tu as une idée?
I’m still looking for an idea for my sister’s Christmas present. Do you have an idea?

If you write a little note on your present, here is the script:

Pour Julie de la part de Marc.
For Julie, from Marc.

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Using trains in France can be a great way to get around for visitors to the country, but so many people worry about not speaking French, not understanding how to use the stations or find their way around.

Don’t be put off, its not that difficult with a little in advance homework and checking. These basic French words and phrases for train travel in France will help you find your way round stations and on the train and read our tips on how to take a train in France for more great advice.

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If you should need a doctor, hospital or ambulance in France, these useful words and phrases might help you.

If you need to call an ambulance try to make sure you can give location details and an update of the situation as best you can.

Calling an ambulance in France

15 – The national emergency number for medical aid in France. It will get you the SAMU service, with an ambulance (Service d’Aide Médical d’Urgence – Medical Emergency Aid Service).

18 – The general emergency number (like 999 in the UK or 911 US) which will get you connected to the most appropriate service.

112 – This is the standard European emergency number,   you can call this number from anywhere in the European Union countries from your mobile, landline or payphone.  112 Emergency centres can use an interpretation service covering several languages.  The European Commission website advises that if you are unable to tell the 112 operator where you are they  will be able to locate you – within a few seconds for fixed calls and up to 30 minutes outside working hours for mobile calls so to help you to advise your location please see our useful words and phrases section.

Useful French vocabulary – words and terms for a medical  emergency

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You scour the stalls of the street markets, haunt the antique shops and comb the second hand sales stores – you spot it, that special item. You want it but, you need to know how much and, if it is over budget how to get it at the price you want.

Here’s a quick guide to French words you can use at  flea markets and brocantes in France to help you get your French bargain!

And for some more useful terms:

Bonne Chance with that bargain hunting!

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